Iran and the three countries that signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement — Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye — have agreed to continue discussions aimed at strengthening regional cooperation, peace and security following high-level talks in Tehran on Monday.
Iranian state television reported that the four countries agreed to continue consultations after their first meeting, which brought together senior officials amid mounting concerns over a possible resumption of large-scale hostilities involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
The meeting was attended by Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud, Pakistan’s army chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Türkiye’s intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin. They met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and other senior Iranian officials, with discussions focused on regional security and efforts to reduce tensions.
The diplomatic initiative comes at a critical juncture, as Washington and Tehran remain at odds over the conditions for negotiations, while the wider conflict continues to threaten regional stability, energy supplies and maritime transport.
Saudi Arabia said the visit was part of continuing efforts by the Mecca pact countries to de-escalate the crisis, encourage dialogue and promote diplomatic solutions. Riyadh also highlighted the importance of supporting mediation efforts led by Qatar and Pakistan.
Iran, meanwhile, has advocated a regional security framework in which countries in Middle East address common threats through dialogue and cooperation, rather than relying on outside powers.
The talks also come amid heightened tensions involving Yemen’s Houthi movement and Saudi Arabia. Missile and drone attacks attributed to the Houthis have added another layer of complexity to the regional crisis, increasing pressure on neighbouring countries to prevent further escalation.
The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, signed by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye in August 2026, provides for collective defence cooperation among its members. Its engagement with Iran in Tehran marks a significant diplomatic contact between the three signatories and their regional neighbour since the pact was established.
Although the latest meeting produced an agreement to continue discussions, no comprehensive peace settlement was announced. The outcome of subsequent consultations will be important in determining whether the diplomatic initiative can help bridge differences and reduce the risk of renewed military confrontation.
For the Gulf region, sustained dialogue among Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye could provide an additional channel for managing security concerns, protecting vital shipping routes and limiting the wider economic consequences of the conflict.
